countyscore
55.9
County Score
Property Tax 97.6Cost of Living 92.9Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Crenshaw County, Alabama

Crenshaw exceeds national livability median

Crenshaw County's composite score of 55.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 56th percentile nationally. The county performs solidly compared to typical American communities.

Above state average, upper-third performer

Crenshaw's 55.9 score outpaces Alabama's state average of 52.9, establishing it as one of the state's stronger counties. Among Alabama's 67 counties, Crenshaw ranks in the upper third.

Affordability and water quality are standout assets

Crenshaw excels with a cost score of 92.9 and water score of 86.0, paired with minimal taxes at 0.320% effective rate. Housing is exceptionally affordable with $664/month rent and $108,400 median home values—the lowest in this group.

Incomes and health outcomes require attention

Crenshaw's income score of just 12.6 reflects a median household income of $49,040, among the lowest of these eight counties. Health outcomes (17.8) and school performance (30.4) lag, limiting educational and medical access.

Ideal for minimalist living and retirees

Crenshaw County suits those seeking ultra-low housing costs, minimal taxation, and clean water resources. Fixed-income retirees and remote professionals will find exceptional value, but families dependent on local jobs or quality schools should explore other options.

2040608010097.692.940.217.830.412.665.68652.4Tax97.6Cost92.9Safety40.2Health17.8Schools30.4Income12.6Risk65.6Water86Weather52.455.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Crenshaw County DNA

Foverall

How Crenshaw County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Crenshaw County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (97.6/100) but notably weak in Income (12.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
97.6+45.599999999999994
Cost
92.9+44.900000000000006
Safety
40.2-14.799999999999997
Health
17.8-32.2
Schools
30.4-23.6
Income
12.6-38.4
Risk
65.6+18.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
52.4
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Compare mortgage rates in Crenshaw County

Whether buying or refinancing in Crenshaw County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$108,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$664/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$108,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $49,040/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Crenshaw County with Henry County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Henry County
Alabama
Median income: $60,135
55.9
Macon County
Alabama
Median income: $45,951
55.9
Telfair County
Georgia
Median income: $44,948
55.9
Franklin County
Illinois
Median income: $53,471
55.9
Gibson County
Indiana
Median income: $67,763
55.9
DeKalb County
Missouri
Median income: $69,093
55.9
Furnas County
Nebraska
Median income: $60,625
55.9
Graham County
North Carolina
Median income: $49,038
55.9

Nearby counties

Pike County
Alabama
47.3
Coffee County
Alabama
44
Butler County
Alabama
45
Covington County
Alabama
55.7
Montgomery County
Alabama
48.6
Conecuh County
Alabama
58.7
Lowndes County
Alabama
55.6
Bullock County
Alabama
52.6

Deep Dives

Crenshaw County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Crenshaw County

via TaxByCounty

Crenshaw taxes rank well below national norms

At 0.320%, Crenshaw County's effective property tax rate sits roughly 64% below the national average of 0.89%. The median annual tax of $347 is just 13% of the national median of $2,690.

Slightly below Alabama's average

Crenshaw's 0.320% rate sits just shy of Alabama's statewide average of 0.339%, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. The median tax of $347 trails Alabama's median by roughly 32%.

Mid-range among nearby counties

Crenshaw's 0.320% rate falls between Conecuh (0.324%) and Covington (0.251%), positioning it as a solid middle option in the regional tax landscape. It ranks fourth out of eight counties in this comparison.

What homeowners pay annually

A homeowner with a median-valued property ($108,400) in Crenshaw pays approximately $347 per year in taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, that figure reaches around $461.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Property tax assessments can drift out of sync with actual home values—compare your assessed value against recent neighborhood sales prices. Filing an appeal is typically straightforward and can reduce your annual tax bill if your assessment is indeed inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Crenshaw County

via CostByCounty

Crenshaw offers below-average rent burden

Crenshaw County residents spend just 16.3% of income on rent—below the national average and well-positioned for housing affordability. At $664 monthly rent and a $49,040 median household income, the county delivers genuine accessibility for renters.

Crenshaw beats Alabama average comfortably

With a 16.3% rent-to-income ratio, Crenshaw performs better than Alabama's 18.0% state average, ranking among the state's more affordable rental markets. The $664 median rent is notably lower than the state's $799, offering measurable savings.

Affordable, consistent with region

Crenshaw's $664 rent is the lowest among its peer counties, and its 16.3% burden is competitive across the region. The county combines cheap housing with reasonable income support, making it consistent with Alabama's more affordable options.

Income covers housing comfortably

The median household of $49,040 pays $664 monthly for rent, leaving 16.3% of income for housing and 83.7% for other expenses. Homeownership at $494 monthly and $108,400 median value makes buying slightly cheaper than renting—an unusual and valuable scenario.

Crenshaw rewards affordable living seekers

Crenshaw County excels for renters seeking low housing burdens and offers exceptional homeownership value at $494 monthly costs. Include it in your comparison if affordability matters most—the $664 rent and $108,400 home prices rank among Alabama's best deals.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Crenshaw County

via IncomeByCounty

Crenshaw income lags significantly nationally

Crenshaw County's median household income of $49,040 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $25,715, placing it in the lower third of American counties. The county also underperforms Alabama's state average of $54,196, indicating limited regional earning opportunities.

Crenshaw ranks in Alabama's lower tier

Crenshaw County ranks in the lower half of Alabama's 67 counties for median household income at $49,040. The county sits significantly below state average, reflecting economic challenges common to rural south-central Alabama communities.

Crenshaw underperforms nearby counties

Crenshaw County's $49,040 median household income falls below most neighboring communities in the region. Its per capita income of $30,321, while respectable, masks wage inequality and limited job diversity in the local economy.

Housing affordability remains reasonable but tight

Crenshaw County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, protecting renters from extreme cost burden. The median home value of $108,400 aligns reasonably with local incomes, though families should plan conservatively for property taxes and maintenance.

Building wealth through modest, steady steps

Crenshaw households should focus on debt reduction and automatic savings transfers to build financial cushions despite moderate income levels. Local nonprofits and credit unions often offer financial literacy programs that help residents maximize limited resources.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Crenshaw County

via CrimeByCounty

Crenshaw County Boasts High Safety Scores

Crenshaw County features a total crime rate of 1,363.1 per 100,000 residents, nearly 1,000 points lower than the national average. The resulting safety score of 97.8 highlights its status as a secure community.

Exceeding Alabama’s Public Safety Benchmarks

With a safety score of 97.8, Crenshaw County outperforms the state average of 97.3. Total crime rates here are roughly 21% lower than the Alabama average of 1,731.0 per 100,000 people.

Regional Safety Advantage in Crenshaw

Crenshaw’s violent crime rate of 302.9 is slightly lower than the state average of 312.6. Local law enforcement keeps property crime at 1,060.2, providing a safer environment than many neighboring districts.

Property Crime vs Violent Crime Reality

Property offenses comprise 1,060.2 incidents per 100,000 people, while violent crimes account for 302.9. These numbers suggest that while violent encounters are low, theft prevention is the most practical safety focus.

Keep Your Crenshaw Home Secure

Home security systems are the first line of defense against the most common local crimes. Ensure your home is well-lit at night and join local neighborhood watch programs to stay informed.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Crenshaw County

via SchoolsByCounty

K-12 Success in a Concentrated System

Crenshaw County operates a single school district serving 2,240 students across just four primary campuses. Most students attend PK-12 "other" schools, which consolidate elementary and secondary education into single facilities. This streamlined model simplifies transitions for students as they progress through their grade levels.

Consistent Performance and Reliable Outcomes

The county maintains an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average while trailing the state's 90.7%. Spending is prioritized at $6,575 per pupil, which is significantly higher than the state average of $6,270. These resources help the district maintain a 51.0 school score, keeping it competitive within the region.

Comprehensive K-12 Campus Model

The Crenshaw County district manages all four schools, focusing on a PK-12 model rather than separate elementary and middle schools. Luverne High School and Highland Home School are the largest anchors, serving 845 and 839 students respectively. No charter schools exist here, ensuring all resources remain within the unified public system.

The Heart of Rural Learning

Every school in the county is classified as rural, reflecting the deeply local and quiet lifestyle of the area. Because the system uses large PK-12 campuses, the average school size is relatively high at 747 students per site. This creates a unique atmosphere where students of all ages share the same campus throughout their entire childhood.

Stability in a Unified School District

For families looking for educational stability, the K-12 school model in Crenshaw County means students won't have to change campuses frequently. Real estate in Luverne or Highland Home puts you at the center of the county's student life. High per-pupil spending makes this an enticing option for those seeking well-resourced rural schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Crenshaw County

via RiskByCounty

Crenshaw's Risk Falls Well Below National

Crenshaw County scores 34.38 on composite risk, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below the national average. This favorable position reflects contained exposure across most natural hazard categories, though tornado and hurricane risks remain noteworthy.

Among Alabama's Lower-Risk Counties

At 34.38, Crenshaw falls significantly below Alabama's 61.54 state average, placing it among the safer counties statewide. The 27-point gap indicates residents enjoy substantially lower multi-hazard exposure than most of their state peers.

Similar Risk to Nearby Conecuh County

Crenshaw (34.38) and adjacent Conecuh (31.11) share similar low-risk profiles, both benefiting from southern Alabama's relative seismic and tornado safety. Both counties face elevated hurricane exposure compared to northern peers like Cullman and Colbert.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes Require Attention

Hurricane risk scores 84.56, reflecting Crenshaw's Gulf proximity and tropical storm season exposure, while tornadoes rank second at 63.20. Floods (33.59) and wildfire (25.16) pose minimal threats compared to these primary hazards.

Hurricane and Tornado Coverage Needed

The 84.56 hurricane risk score makes windstorm coverage essential; verify your homeowners policy includes hurricane protection or add a separate windstorm policy. Keep tornado coverage active year-round, and review flood insurance if you're in any mapped flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Crenshaw County

via WaterByCounty

Crenshaw achieves top tier compliance grade

The county holds a perfect A grade with zero health violations reported during the last five years. This performance significantly outperforms both the Alabama and national average violation rates.

Fewer impairments than the state average

Of the 13 water bodies assessed, 23.1% are classified as impaired due to E. coli and sedimentation. This remains lower than the 27.7% state impairment average, suggesting relatively healthy local watersheds.

Limited monitoring footprint in Crenshaw

Federal records show only 2 monitoring sites in the county, with 1,334 measurements taken over five years. Most data points track physical and inorganic characteristics to monitor basic water health.

Conecuh River at Brantley shows low volume

Current discharge at the Conecuh River gauge is 225 cfs, which is just 36% of the long-term mean. These levels indicate that the river is currently flowing at roughly one-third of its typical capacity.

Focusing on bacteria during dry spells

Extremely low flow levels at 36% of the mean can lead to higher concentrations of E. coli in surface waters. Residents can trust their A-rated drinking water but should exercise caution in local streams where sedimentation is high.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Crenshaw County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Subtropical Environment

Crenshaw County averages 63.6°F annually, placing it above the national median for temperature. The climate is wet and mild, typical of the Deep South's interior plains.

Closely Matching the State Average

The county's 63.6°F mean temperature is almost identical to the Alabama state average of 63.2°F. It serves as a representative sample of the state's overall weather patterns.

Cooler Than Its Southern Neighbors

Crenshaw is cooler than neighboring Covington County, which averages 67.1°F. It also receives 54.4 inches of annual precipitation, slightly less than the state average of 57.4 inches.

Predictable Heat and Mild Winters

Summer averages hover around 78.0°F with 55 days exceeding 90°F. Winters are comfortable, averaging 48.5°F, though there is no significant historical record of annual snowfall for the county.

Managing Humidity and Moderate Heat

With 55 days of extreme heat, air conditioning maintenance is a critical seasonal task. Residents should also prepare for 54.4 inches of rain by maintaining clear drainage paths around their property.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Crenshaw County

via SoilByCounty

Crenshaw County's Geographic Soil Profile

Taxonomic and pH data for Crenshaw County are not currently available in our primary records. Like much of the state, these soils are typically acidic, often falling near the Alabama average of 5.21 rather than the national 6.5 median.

Coastal Plain Soil Composition

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this county at this time. Local growers generally work with sandy textures that require careful nutrient management to maintain high crop yields.

Fertility Potential in Crenshaw

Organic matter and available water capacity data for this county are missing. Adding compost to reach the national average of 2.0% organic matter can significantly improve your soil's ability to hold water and feed your plants.

Hydrologic Realities of the Region

Specific drainage classes for Crenshaw are not listed in this dataset. Residents should monitor their land for runoff patterns, as managing water is critical for both agricultural success and foundation stability.

Planting Power in Zone 8b

Crenshaw County enjoys the warm climate of Hardiness Zone 8b. This zone is ideal for southern favorites like watermelons and peanuts, so pick up some seeds and get started this spring.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Crenshaw County

via LawnByCounty

Average Alabama Conditions in Crenshaw

Crenshaw County’s difficulty score of 32.5 sits slightly above the state average, though it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 8b area requires a disciplined approach to irrigation and fertility to maintain a green carpet.

Balanced Rainfall and Growing Days

The county sees 54.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is close to the state average of 57.4 inches. While there are 55 extreme heat days, the 5,543 growing degree days provide a robust environment for southern turf varieties.

Soil Management in a Wet Climate

Though specific soil data is not recorded here, the high rainfall typically leads to acidity that can hinder grass health. We recommend a professional test to see if you need to apply lime to move toward the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range.

Combatting Current Severe Drought

Crenshaw is currently 100% covered by Severe Drought (D2) conditions after 24 weeks of drought over the past year. To protect your investment, avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day and keep your blades sharp to reduce grass stress.

Optimal Planting Windows in Crenshaw

The planting season begins after March 31 and extends until the first frost on November 26. Bermuda and Centipede grasses are well-suited for this climate's specific heat and moisture patterns.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crenshaw County's county score?
Crenshaw County, Alabama has a composite county score of 55.9 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Crenshaw County rank among counties in Alabama?
Crenshaw County ranks #22 among all counties in Alabama on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Crenshaw County, Alabama?
The median annual property tax in Crenshaw County is $347, with an effective tax rate of 0.32%. This earns Crenshaw County a tax score of 97.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Crenshaw County?
The median household income in Crenshaw County, Alabama is $49,040 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Crenshaw County earns an income score of 12.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Crenshaw County, Alabama a good place to live?
Crenshaw County scores 55.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #22 in Alabama. The best way to evaluate Crenshaw County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Crenshaw County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.